Abstract
The role of a leaky tight junction in epithelia is examined by considering the flow of water and solute through a channel consisting of two sections representing the intercellular space and tight junction. Two cases are considered, flow through a channel with a circular cross-section and flow between parallel planes. Analytical solutions are obtained using the isotonic convection approximation. The flow is driven by active transport of solute and imposed concentration and pressure differences. Particular attention is paid to the flux of solute through the tight junction. It is shown that the shape of the channel cross-section is important. The theory is applied to the rat proximal tube epithelium. It is deduced that the emergent osmolarity is close to that predicted for a closed tight junction, but that transepithelial hydrostatic pressure differences are potentially important. The influence of transepithelial concentration differences appears to be unimportant in this model.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
